The helicon wave phenomenon was first experimentally discovered in the middle of the last century. However, the theoretical description of plasma processes was given by F. Chen only in 1985. The main advantage of space propulsion based on this phenomenon is the absence of electrodes directly in contact with the plasma, which lengthens the propulsion system's lifetime and decreases production costs. The aim of the studies described in the paper was to assess the prospects for using helicon thruster in various space missions. The main problem while designing modern helicon thrusters is their low efficiency. In this paper, an attempt has been made at assessing the ways the energy is lost in helicon thrusters. and ways have been identified to reduce these losses. In order to estimate the losses, FEM analysis has been conducted, existing models studied, and losses for various undesired processes calculated. As a result of the analysis of the obtained data, the main disadvantages and principal engineering challenges of this type of thrusters were outlined. In the course of the research, a comparison was made with other types of electric propulsion in the context of the requirements of missions featuring constellation maneuvering, LEO to GEO orbit-raising, as well as deep space missions.
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